BIG DADDY KANE x BUMPY KNUCKLES - "The Fire's Gettin' High"

This been out for a while but I actually didn't hear it until today, and a collaboration between two of the biggest lyrical giants the culture has ever seen needs to be heard by as many people as possible. I'm talking about "The Fire's Gettin' High", a previously unreleased collaboration between Big Daddy Kane and Bumpy Knuckles that was produced by Oddisee some time ago. "This was not some e-mail collab, this joint was me & Kane in the lab building a pattern and doing it the way we used to back in the days", says Foxxx of the track.

[EP] AUDIBLE DOCTOR - "Can't Keep The People Waiting"

If you ask me I'd be quick to say that The Audible Doctor is one of the absolutely most interesting young producers  out right now. He got a sound of his own, without ever letting the hip-hop purists down, which is a feat in itself. And on top of that he's slowly but surely building up a pretty damn impressive catalouge, both as a solo artist and through albums with legends like Onyx's Fredro Starr. With each release he has really grown on the microphone as well and it has been a blessing following his career.

His latest release is called "Can't Keep The People Waiting" and was first released a couple of months ago as a diigital download only. Produced entirely by Audible Doctor, the records which switches betweem agressive synths, knockout drum programming, longing vocal samples and smoother songs which together gives the project a very nice balance, is now finally being rleeased on vinyl. You can purchase the lmited vinyl right now @ Fat Beats, but once they are out they are gone. so HURRY UP AND BUY! Joining the good ol' Doctor on the mifrophone is Bumpy Knuckles, Astro, Guilty Simpson, Hasaan Mackey, Consequence, and John Tired. The EP also weaves together songs through warm soulful instrumental interludes, something I always had a big thing for this type of projects. Oh and on a related note, Aud Doc just revealed that he's soon finished with "The Spring Tape" and if you've been following this blog you know I went fucking bonkers over those seasoned themed EP:s. Stay tuned for more info as it unfolds!

AUDIBLE DOCTOR / GUILTY SIMPSON - "Leave Me Alone" [Remix]

You might know that Audible Doctor is one of my current favorite producers, and his seasoned theme EP:s still stand as one off the finest pieces of music released in the last couple of years. A month back The Good Ol¨Doc dropped another EP for the fans, consisting of eight soulful but hardhitting joints packing that unmistakable Audibe sound. Called "Can't Keep The People Waiting" the mni album  is made up of eight strongs, featuring Audible getting busy on both mic and boards with heavyweights Bumpy Knuckles, John Robinson, Consequence, Hasaan Mackey, Astro and Guilty Simpson provide a breath of fresh air with their guest verses. Since I totally forgot to post this when it first hit, I posted the free stream below for y'all (don't sleep), and you can also purchase the digital EP or a limited CD pressing (w. also includes instrumentals) @ The Official Audible Store. But the more acute reason for posting this now is that Oddisee just unleashed a popping new remix of  "Leave Me Alone", the Guilty Simpson blessed cut and it¨s just as dope as the original!

BUMPY KNUCKLES x PETE ROCK - "Rayon"

Now THIS is what I'm talking about! It's a well known fact that Bumpy Knuckles has an incredible amount of unreleased material in his vaults, including collections with some of the illest producers around. We've already got the D.I.T.C. produced verison of "Crazy Like A Foxxx", "Music From The Man" with Jesse West and of course "The KolexXxion" with DJ Premier.

Foxxx's follow up to his classic "Industry Shakedown"; "Konexion" was originally supposed to be entirely produced by Pete Rock until he decided he wanted to go for a new sound. This means a lot of joints between these two legends have been kept in the vaults for the longest, so hopefully the release of the single "Rayon" means we will get to hear this collection sooner or later.

BUMPY KNUCKLES x DJ WAYNE SKI - "Cake Remix"

The hardest voice in hip-hop is getting it in right now, just the other day he murdered the latest entry of Premier's "Bars in the Booth" series (which really made me want to go back and revisit "KolexXxion", one of the strongest albums this side of 2010). For a good while Bumpy Knuckles has also been working with DJ Wayne Ski on an album entitled "The Black Card LP" that is shaping up just lovely. We've already heard 6-7 singles (check them out here), and now Wayne and Foxxx lets loose of another ass kicking single in "Cake Remix". I really dig how Bumpy lately been using one producer for each project (DJ Premier, Jesse West, Statik Selektah and now Wayne Ski) and the results has been outstanding to say the least. I have huge hopes on this LP, stay tuned for more info.

[EP] AUDIBLE DOCTOR - "Can't Keep The People Waiting"

You know we're huge fans of The Audible Doctor here at The Lost Tapes so I'm glad to annoucne that the BBS' finest is back with a brand new EP called "Kan't Ceep The People Waiting". If you digt the nostalgic soultastic boom bap of The Good Doctor's previous efforts, I can promise you won't be dssapointed in the eight songs presented here. Especiallly as it features excellent performances by Bumpy Knuckles, Hasaan Mackey, Consequence, Astro, John Robinson, Guilty Simpson, and  lott of good verses from our main emcee. Be sure not to sleep on this, because this one bangs HARD without losing the smooth soul elements. 

The digital release can be purchased for 7 USD via Audible's Bandcamp and you also get the option to test the project out beforehand by previewing the extended play in full. All songs produced by Audible Doctor, with hooks and background vocals on many songs by Davenport Grimes. Feelin' good about this one, for sure - Audible Doctor one of the most underrated producers around, that's my word!

BUMPY KNUCKLES / PREEMO - "Bars in the Booth #6"

DJ Premier continues to put his work in the legendary HeadQCuarterz studios (p/k/a D&D Studios) by inviting some of the best lyricists in New York to go in over one of his exclusive beats. We previously heard excellent sessions with Dres of Black Sheep, Papoose, Loaded Lux, AG and Jakk Frost, and now its hardcore emcee #1 Bumpy Knuckles going IN over a real '90s type of beats complete with a beautiful live jazz bass that sounds fantastic in between the excellent work between Foxxx and Preem. I saw these two perform "The Kolexxxion" album a couple of years back and it was absolutely mindblowing, and this takes me right back to the best joints on that LP. I really hope that this "Bars in the Booth" series keeps on coming; I would gladly buy a limited edition 12" mini-album with all these crazy sessions. We'll have to wait and see but until then, en-the-fuck-joy!

BUMPY KNUCKLES x DJ WAYNE SKI - "PhloWTayShaun"

DJ Wayne Ski and underground king Bumpy Knukcles links back up for Another hardcore banger with "PhlowtayShaun". The pair previously collaborated on one of my favorite joints of last year, the dangerously addictive "PhuckU", as well as on "Peep The Resume" plus "New York, Where Ya At?" (can't forget that stupid fresh "Gang Starr Bus" remix either). A couple months back they dropped  Two additional singles entitled "The Coldest Rap" and "CanI Emcee", respectively, which I believe I missed out on posting back when so you'll find them both streaming below.  If there's one thing these Brothers got it's Chemistry like you woldn't Believe, and Word is that a full-length called The Black Card". is comiing so keep your ears open!

AUDIBLE DOCTOR Ft. BUMPY KNUCKLES - "The Beast"

Audible Doctor links up with Freddie Foxxx in the creation of "The Beast", a certified banger from The Doc's upcoming EP "Can't Keep The People Waiting" coming soon. This is the 2nd single from that project, following the Consequence collaboration "No Future", embeded below. Let that volume pump!

Bumpy Knuckles x DJ Wayne Ski - "New York, Where You At?!?"

The OG Bumpy Knuckles has never been one to sit back and keep his mouth shut, and when it seems half of New York is releasing responses to Kendrick Lamar's recent "Control" verse (which was indeed sick) you can count on Foxxx to respond with some hardcore shit like this. Like the superb "Phuck U" and "Peep the Resume" singles we heard relatively recently, "New York, Where You At?!" is produced by DJ Wayne Ski who here makes creative use of a classic sample that fans of Diamond D will no doubt be familiar with. What's even iller is that Wayne Ski has revealed that this will appear on an album called "Black Card", a full-length collaboration between the two. Following up an album entirely produced by DJ Premier is tough shit to handle, but the three singles we've got so far definitely feels reassuring that this will be another monumental LP from Freddie Foxxx.

Bumpy Knuckles x Wayne Ski - "Peep The Resume"

Bumpy Knuckles is HOUSING shit right now! He's been killing every guest spot this past year, his albums with DJ Premier, Statik Selektah and Jesse West has been in constant rotation, the occassional loose singles have all been straight fire, and the live show I saw with him and Preem back in November was one of the illest ones I ever attended. He seems to enjoy using one producer for an entire album worth, so it's possible DJ Wayne Ski is next in line for a Freddie Foxxx LP. He certainly seems up to the task, as the previous single "PhUcKu" definitely left a hunger for more. That hunger can now temporarily be stilled, as the duo lines up a second single in the form of "Peep The Resume"...

[Best of 2012 Review] DJ Premier / Bumpy Knuckles - "KoleXXXion"

You can't discuss quality New York hip-hop without mentioning the name DJ Premier; the king of D&D Studios (now HeadCQuartrerz) has kept true school hip-hop alive and well since 1989 and has an instantly recognizably sound that just about everybody loves. Whether remixing R&B joints, producing Chrisina Aguilera or lacing LP:s for Group Home or Blaq Poet, Preem is always worth checking for. Some of the hardest, and by that I mean illest, joints in his entire catalouge however is the stuff that he's provided for James Campbell, p.k.a. Freddie Foxxx, now better known as Bumpy Knuckles.

Bumpy is somewhat of an unsung hereo of the rap game; from missing out on the opportunity to team up with Eric B. in 1986, to Flava Unit ultimately shelving both versions of his brillint '94 LP "Crazy Like A Foxxx", it wasn't until he returned more agressive than ever with 2000's "Industry Shakwdown", a full-out assault on the entire music industry, that he finally got the props he so rightfully deserved. An album, that's so powerful in both prouction and rhymes that it remains one of the absolute top releases of the last 15 years. Building up the hype for the album was Foxxx's murderous guest verse on Gang Starr's "The Militia", a verse that will go down in history as one of the best cameos in history. Premier also produced two stand-out cuts on the album, "R.N.S." and "Part Of My Life". This was the beginning of a long-standing relationship that would stretch over Bumpy's and Gang Starr's respective albums and often resulted in the best songs of the respective projects. Premier has often said that he love the most to produce for angry hardcore emcees like M.O.P. and Blaq Poet, so wen news broke that DJ Premier was teaming up with Bumpy for an entire LP worth of material, fans expected nothing less than true school bliss. And, "Kolexxxion" does not dissapoint.

Listeners that expected an album filled with nothing but brand new material migt have found themeselves slightly dissapointed; as the title indiciates, "The Kolexxxion" exists somewhere in the wasteland between a new album and a collection of older material. Had they included songs like "Part of My Life" and "The Militia", then it would have been a problem, but as I see it now, there's really not a problem calling this an original album, as really only one single song has appeared on a previous Bumpy release. A few tracks have been played on the LiveFromHQ Show, which to me is really a positive thing as they finally have found a home in our record collections. Despite being classic tracks, I can't help but feel that including "The Lah", a song released on 12" over ten years ago, and "P.A.I.N.E." which appeared on Freddie Foxxx's "Konexion" LP in 2003 doesn't do the album a favor; especially when considering that there's previously unreleased material that's almost as good ("StoodioTyme", "Inspired by Fire") that could have taken up that space instead. The same goes for the only two average songs on the entire set; the rather pointless "Everebodee" and "FYPAU", the latter which might very well be one of Preem's most boring beats yet.

But let's focus on what this long-awaited collaboration in reality is. And what it is, is 70 minutes of brilliant superior boom bap of the hardest and most agressive variety; music that follows all the "rules" of what true school hip-hop has and should be. Ever since "The Militia", Foxxx and Premier have been the epitome of what rugged New York rap should sound; and "Kolexxxion" is full of that type of violent, slamming music that readers of The Lost Tapes love and cherish. Tracks like "Shake The Room", "The Lah", the full-out assault on bootleggers "We Are @ War" and "P.A.I.N.E." rocks harder than anything in 2012 and is bound to get any club pumped; something I can testify to, as these records all had the crowd going completely insane when the duo performed them live this November. But the real 5/5 record on the first disc is the first single, "B.A.P.", a majestic track with boom baptic drums, trumphant horns, classic Preem cuts, and three Bumpy verses that's so well woven and threatening that sucker emcees might be tempted to hang it up. My only complaint here is why this wasn't used as the album opener; "My Thoughts" is a solid cut, but "B.A.P." would've been on a whole 'nother level as it sets the tone for what the LP is about in both production and lyrics.

The entire 17 tracks 2xLP is never less than fucking dope; Freddie Foxx and DJ Premier and their "Kolexxxion" feels like the closest thing that we're ever gonna get to a new Gang Starr album. Case in point is the jazz-infused homage to the late '90s tours with The Foundation on the powerful "Gang Starr Bus" where Bumpy leaves the agressiveness in favor for some powerful storytelling. Other standouts include the fierce single "More Levels" - a perfect symbiosis between Bumpy's rough hip-hop homage and Preem's cuts and synth- and bassdriven beat. "EyeNeverPutMy4cusAway", which in fact was rejected by KanYe West for his "Dark Twisted Fantasy" LP; another superior tracks, with a hypnotizing horn sample being looped while Bumpy turns in an A+ performance; "I was born a follower who learned to lead/ among low-lifes, shit bags who burn and grieve/ criticize me when you reach my level/ 'Til then, just admire my style of fire" he vividly spits.

There's a lack of guests here, just like back in the days it's an album of one emcee and one DJ doing their thing. Only Nas turn up for a pretty fun verse on the Preemo remix of "Turn Up The Mic", a Freddie Foxxx 12" from 2004. Bumpy's voice is often agressive and the subject matter is often "limited" to despicable sucker emcees, real hip-hop and keeping it real in life and music. This works great over Premier's head-nodding production, but it's fortunate that we get at least two storytelling tracks; the previously mentioned "Gang Starr Bus", and the heartfelt album closer "Word is Bond". It's a dedication to Headcquarterz who passed away in 2005, though it differs from the usual tribute record as Foxxx rhymes from the point of view of Headcquarterz himself for the entire song. If you don't know about Headcquarterz you might not even realize that it is a goodbye to a fallen friend, and as such it's a very clever record and a perfect album closer.

It might not be the best album of the year, but for a true fan of hardbodie New York hip-hop not to put this on their top 5, or at the very least top 10, list would be sheer ignorance. Also make sure to check out the "StOoDiOtYmE" EP, as well as the two bonus tracks "Mic & Gun" and "Undagroondgoon" for more quality music in the same vein. This might very well be the album I've banged the most this year, and seeing it performed live brought another level to an alreay great musical experience. If you're late on picking this up, do so on

[comp] BUMPY KNUCKLES - "FREDDIE @ it Again"

"It's not my job to fix hip-hop, I didn't fuck it up", Bumpy Knuckles a.k.a. Freddie Foxxx boosts on his masterful DJ Premier laced  2012 "KoleXXXion". And damn right he is; his first album back in 1989 might not have been the hottest album, but since then he has always stood out as one of hip-hop's last true purists left, putting his love for the music and culture above any money train any day of the week. "The Kolexxxion" has been one of the three albums I've bumped from beginning to end most all year, just like "Industry Shakedown" before it, and the same goes for the reissue of "Crazy Like A Foxxx". Bumpy's ear for beats are something else; never abandoning the hardhitting boom bap that compliments his flow and lyrics so well, and whether he's working with one of the best producer in the game (and he pretty much worked with all of them), producing the music himself, or grabbing a track from someone up-and-coming, the result is in 90% of the cases straight up heat. Then you got his microphone skills of course; ever since the "Ruff Ruff" days, few rappers in the game has such a commanding voice, he rhymes agressive as hell but never let it interfer with his delivery; Foxxx walks the perfect balance between "punch-you-in-the-face" music and social commentary ("Angels Sing"), politics ("New Millenium"), and self-reflection ("Searchin'"). In other words, just like colleagues M.O.P., Foxxx got a whole lot more up his sleeve than the casual listener aeem to think.

A while back I put together an appreciated compilation of Bump titled "Gangsta Poetry", and since I attended a straight-up superb performance by Bumpy Knuckles and DJ Premier on their KoleXXXion tour yesterday- I just knew I hadt to make a second installment with tracks I don't have on my Bumpy CD:s and LP:s, The show was superior to most shows I ever been to, the energy was crazy from both the audiecence and the duo on stage, and especally Bumpy seemed to love Malmö, even dubbing the entire audience Gang Starr Family haha. Besides great sound quality, Bump and Preem tear the roof down with about 85% of the "KoleXXXion" LP (which really makes for mind-blowing live material), a few classics from '99 like "Who Know Why?" and the timeless "Industry Shakedown". After about 40 minutes Bumpy left, while Preem played some GURU and Big L tributes in the form of a gang of Gang Starr classics (including "Full Clip") before Bumpy returned to the scene again for another 40 minutes set before they both left. I'm still blown away by how great and professional this show was.. A huge difference from the guys who comes out, rock for 45 minutes and leave (Jay-Z, I'm looking at you)... So of course, there's a lot of Bumpy getting played this morning, so why not make it a compilation of non-album material so y'all can enjoy it too, right?!

I call this one "Freddie @ It Again: Gangsta's Poetry V.2" and it includes 18 slamming songs consisting of various guest features, B-sides, unreleased material and soundtrack exclusives... You know the drill! I think it came out REALLY nice, fans of Foxxx will definitely appreciate this, and it's no doubt that this works great as a front-to-back listen as well as a perfect companion piece to the previous "Gangsta Poetry". Just check how it starts with a good qualiy radio rip of a rare Future Flavaz promo freestyle over an unreleased Pete Rock beat, and from there bangs along for over an hour until it closes with Foxxx recent feature on none other than Grandmaster Caz's comeback LP. Besides the intro, there's some great unreleased Pete Rock / Bumpy collabos on here that I think you will enjoy if you missed out on them earllier - tracks like "The Mack", "45 Don" and "U Krazy". As far as Gang Starr family, Foxxx joins Big Shug on two cuts, one of them being a Premier production; M.O.P. joins forces with Foxxx as guests on Wyclef's hard-hitting "Masquerade" and both Lil' Fame and Bump are part of the unbelivable posse cut "Reppin' NY" that DJ JS-1 produced last year. Please support good music, because this guys really deserve it, and if you want to keep hearing well executed projects like "The Kolexxxion" there's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't purchase it - buy music from Bumpy Knuckles @ UGHH, Foxxx @ iTunes or directly from Gracie Productions which now has all versions of "KoleXXXion" on 50% of the price (including the instrumental and acapella LP:s). At least this way, you can listen to "We Are @ War" without feeling like a total sucker haha! But for now, enjoy this highly dope compilation everyone!

01. "Future Flavaz Freestyle: Intro"

02. "PhUcKu!!" (w. DJ Wayne Ski)
03. "Real Recognize Real" (w. Jesse West & Busta Rhymes)
04. "Dream Catceher" [prod. King Karnov]
05. "Reppin' NY" (w. DJ JS-1, Lil' Fame & Joell Ortiz)
06. "U Krazy" [prod. Pete Rock]
07. "Take Money" (w. Marco Polo, Ruste Juxx & Rock)
08. "123 Bang" (w. Bif Shug & Hectic)
09. "If We Can't Build" (w. Akrobatik)
10. "Damage" (w. DJ Revolution & Blaq Poet)
11. "Masquerade" (w. M.O.P. & Wyclef)
12. "Pimpin' Ain't Easy"
13. "How to Rob 2008"
14. "45 Don" [prod. Pete Rock]
15. "The Mack" [prod. Pete Rock]
16. "Sick A Nigguz" (w. Big Shug & DJ Premier)
17. "Dumpin' Em All" (w. DJ Nu-Mark)
18. "Swing Hi-Swing Low" (w. Grandmaster Caz & Cold Crush)

BUMPY KNUCKLES - "FREDDIE @ IT AGAIN"

Neek The Exotic / Bumpy Knuckles - "Get The City Warm"

Neek The Exotic has geared up to release another solo album this year, this time on Ill Adrenaline Records. Titled "The Hustle Don't Stop", the album will not see any new collaborations with Large Professor, instead opting for production by Alterbeats (who did this single), Confidence, The Audible Doctor, The Arcitype, Ras Beats and Crazeology, with cameos by OC, Sadat X, Satchel Page (who performs the hook here), and Meyhem Lauren. Shoul be good!

If you wanna bang "Get the City Warm" in your phones and Mp3-players, you can show your support by purchasing the single via iTunes.

Bumpy Knuckles & DJ Wayne Ski - "Phucku"

Bumpy Knuckles kills this boom baptic banger laced by DJ Wayne Ski, "Phucku", that dropped some time ago. Apparantly from an upcoming album called "The Black Card", though I'm not sure exactly what that is.

Bumpy Knucks x Statik Selektah - "Hear the Call"

Last year Bumpy Knuckles and DJ Statik Selektah joined forces for their digital release, "Lyrical Workout". Now the album is finaly being released in retail format (and on both wax and CD nontheless), complete with five bonus tracks, including a banging collaboration with OC that's currently available as a single on iTunes. A promo single titled "Hear the Calll" is another bonus track that dropped a couple of days and does not dissapoint. Foxxx kills it on this retail release; and the beats suit him well. I need to give it a few mroe spins, but the album should definitely be a worthy purchase. The title for the retail expanded eddition is "Ambition" and will hit stores in both formats on September 25. While you're at it, also check out this LiveFromHQ premiere of the OC cut here (with tags of course). ""Hear the Calll" is the full CDQ, anbd sounds great, so this is shaping up lovely. Check out the tracklist and get your pre-order on @ UGHH.

BUMPY KNCUKLES - "HEAR THE CALL" [*]

[VIDEO] DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles - "More Levels"

One of my favorite joints from DJ Premier and Bumpy Knuckles recent "The Kolexxxion" gets the visual treatment. Lots of ill merchandise related to the project is now available via Gracie Productions including accapella and instrumental versions of the full-length album on both vinyl and CD.

[VIDEO] DJ Premier / Bumpy Knuckles - "B.A.P."

If you for some reason only plan on buying something like three albums this year, DJ Premier and Fredie Foxxx's rugged "Kolexxxion" should undoubtedly be one of them. 17 tracks deep, the LP is filled with hardcore battle rhymes, booming street beats and ridiciolous turntable work; truly vintage hip-hop shit in other words. The single "B.A.P. (Bumpy And Premier)"'s been out for a while now, but the first official video for the project, which is now available on vinyl, CD and digital, are finally up on The Tube. Gracie Records will even be releasing 2xLP sets of the instrumentals and the accapellas, respectively.

PUBLIC ENEMY x BUMPY KNUCKS - "Get It In"

Oh shit!! Chuck D and Flava Flav reminds us why Public Enemey  will always be synonymous with great and powerful music. Here they link up with Bumpy Knuckles who assists with both vocals and solid production work. With DJ Premier's LiveFromHeadCQuarterz show back on the air every Saturday, rest assured we are in for a lot of treats and exclusives. All props for the rip/link goes to Stijn Coppens and DJPremierBlog.

PUBLIC ENEMY - "GET IT IN" (Ft. Bumpy Knuckles)

N.O.R.E. / Bumpy Knuckles - "Thiz Iz Hip Hop"

N.O.R.E.'s new Green Lantern hosted mixtape "Crack On Steroids" is now available and definitely has some gems. Production and features comes from a host of dope artists including RZA, Just Blaze, Raekwon, Styles P and others though the most interesting thing is the Bumpy Knuckles collaboration, "Thiz Iz Hip Hop". Laced by none other than DJ Premier too, so you know it's a banger!

N.O.R.E. x BUMPY KNUCKLES - "THIZ IZ HIP HOP"